Tots And TV

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I'll admit it, I probably rely on the TV way too much. Especially in the later part of this pregnancy....some days it seems the TV is on non-stop in our house. I could allow myself to be consumed with mommy guilt, and worry that my son will suffer irreparable consequences from all this boob tube time. Or I could relax, knowing that plenty of kids watch plenty of TV and turn out just fine. I could give myself a pat on the back for being quite selective about which TV programs he does get to watch, and what I'm allowing to influence him. I could enjoy the times when we both dance around to the catchy songs and talk about his favorite shows while he watches them. So, that's what I do. Seriously. Who needs any more mommy guilt these days?

I don't see any harm in a little TV viewing by the toddler set. There's plenty of programming choices out there that have more to offer your child then good ole Sponge Bob. PBS and Disney are our favorites, as their shows seem to actually have some educational value AND they kindly omit the awful commercials many other kid's networks are overrun with. Can tots actually learn from TV though? The official jury seems to be out on this one. From my experience, they can. Obviously they'll learn more through human interaction and exploration of the world around them....but I have noticed my kids picking up little things here and there from certain shows.

The key, to me, is balance. Many studies point to the high obesity rates in children who watch TV....well, the same goes for adults does it not? Do I turn the TV on so I can get my coffee in the morning, or make dinner at night? Yes I do. But I also make sure my little guy gets outside to run and explore. I take time throughout the day to read him book after book. I build blocks with him, I do puzzles with him, I color with him. Has the time he's spent watching TV turned him into a dull zombie? Well, he knew his entire alphabet before he was two. So I think I'm doing something right!!!

Anything, done in excess, can be bad. TV is just one of those things. So moms, let's lose the guilt and focus on what else we do with our kids when we aren't plopping them in front of the TV. But really now, a little brain candy from time to time isn't all bad. (can we say reality TV anyone?)